AppAdvice International: Canada To Get Wi-Fi Calling, Price Hikes In South Africa

Canada's Rogers Wireless

It's promising news for Canadian iOS device owners this week, as Canada's Rogers Wireless -- the nation's largest wireless carrier -- has confirmed that it'll support the smart Wi-Fi Calling feature Apple is adding in iOS 8. Though we're unsure when Cupertino will roll-out the feature in Canada, Rogers confirmed in a recent statement that it'll offer full support for Wi-Fi Calling once it launches north of the border. The statement read:

We’ll support the iOS 8 Wi-Fi calling feature when it becomes available in Canada. In the meantime, Rogers customers using the Rogers One Number service on their computer, tablet or smartphone can already make calls over Wi-Fi. They can video chat with other Rogers One Number users or call any Canadian number for free, no matter where they are. For more info on Rogers One Number http://Rogers.com/OneNumber.

The news came following word from U.S. "uncarrier" T-Mobile, which also announced support for the feature. Other big carriers in the United States and Canada (including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Telus, and Bell) have yet to comment on the feature. As we explained earlier in the week, "Wi-Fi calling is a feature iOS 8 users are going to appreciate for a number of reasons. Besides being more battery efficient than traditional cellular calling while also reducing the consumption of voice minutes (if you’re on a limited plan), Wi-Fi calling — like FaceTime Audio — offers smartphone owners a clearer, more crisp voice calling experience." For Canadians who regularly travel into the United States, the new feature means it'll be far easier to avoid costly roaming charges, too.

Australia's retail staff

Australia's retail staff have signed a new four-year agreement with Apple, and details concerning the deal surfaced online this week. In our article, we explained that Cupertino, which places retail employees into one of three categories, has "increased pay for staff in Australia (and) has brought the full-time hourly wage for Level 1 staff up to $20.95, while Level 2 staff receive $25.26 and Level 3 employees are paid a yearly wage of $72,779." Further elements were disclosed in the contract, which is available to download in PDF format, including Apple's stance on controversial bag and locker checks in Australia:

Concerning the inspections, however, Apple simply notes: “Apple may conduct random bag and or locker inspections at any time. You will be required to participate and fully co-operate and present your bag/locker or personal effects for inspection.”

Meal allowances and time off for blood donations also feature in the contract.

South Africa's App Store

Finally this week, news concerning App Store price changes in South Africa's App Store hit the Web. In an email sent to iOS developers (pictured below), Cupertino explained that adjustments are being made to App Store pricing in the nation in order to account for Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently charged at a rate of 14 percent. The change is now in effect, and developers can check on the updated prices of their app -- or apps -- from inside iTunes Connect. Of course, this isn't the first time Apple has altered the pricing matrix for its international App Stores: price hikes in Britain, Europe, Australia, India, Indonesia, and Turkey have all been the subject of previous reports here at AppAdvice. We'll keep you updated with further information as we receive it. In the meantime, see: OpenTable Update Brings UI Tweaks For iPad And New Payment Settings For iPhone, Mojang Teases ‘Biggest Update’ Yet To Minecraft - Pocket Edition, and Hidden iOS 8 Icons Hint At Apple’s Parked Car Location Feature In Maps App.